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presh223's avatar
presh223
Explorer
Oct 11, 2018

Front mounted Tool Box, issues, Concerns? Is it safe?

Hi All,

I plan to embark on full-time camper living for the next measurable duration and would like opinions on front mounted tool boxes for storage. I have an American Built Cattle pusher style bumper which has the receiver tube fabricated in. I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about this, but it always seems to originate out of heavy-duty use or extreme environments, which makes sense. So if you've had issues with your snow plow, or in death valley lets just focus on regular temps.

Will it block cooling performance? How much? Negligible or significant? I know over time it can be problematic, but I am just trying to outfit every square inch of usability on my truck. Since it will be home.

I was following a youtube channel where a chap had his box front mounted because he had a regular cab, and he insisted he conducted a lot of research and it wouldn't hinder his truck.

The truck is a 2013 Ford F350 6.7 Diesel

So what does everyone think, yay or nay?
  • JoeH's avatar
    JoeH
    Explorer III
    Many years ago I fabricated a motorcycle carrier/ramp on the front of my Class A gas motorhome. I carried a Harley on that rack for many years and had no overheating issues, even though the naysayers said it would overheat. And it was a 454 Chevy, which given any excuse would run hot. I did have to fit up some auxiliary headlights.
  • I'm liking the general consensus. This bumper is kind of a curse. I think the tube is a little bit higher than I need it and will definitely block. If I have to install a Curt/Reese receiver for the front, I'm sure the bumper will interfere with that as well and I don't want to cut into the bumper to allow for a lower hitch receiver option. May have to sell that thing soon. It makes working on the truck a royal pain too. Anyway. I plan to carry thing's like Honda 2200 watt generator, gear, etc. Shouldn't weigh more than 300 lbs max and I think the front Axle will accommodate it.

  • I have carried a Honda 3,500 gen in a box on my Ram CTD many times , No probs with overheating . Florida in summertime
  • Keeping tool box mounted below headlights/turn signals would be low enough you couldn't see it......
    So I would envision property damage from whacking things when turning, parking etc

    Other consideration...how much Front Axle Weight you currently have vs FAWR?
  • just kinda makes me wonder what occupies those big adz boxes. :h
  • Not mine, found this just now doing a Google Search. Never seen anyone do it like this before.



    Keep headlights and turn signals clear of any obstructions and see no reason why it shouldn't work. Keep everything lower than your light, and you should have air flow for the radiator. --- one would think.

    But, I've never done this before. I just thought the photo was interesting.

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